How your podiatrist in Brooksville, FL, can help with an ingrown toenail
If you look down at your feet and you notice your toe is growing dark and swollen, you could have an ingrown toenail. Ingrown toenails aren’t just unsightly. They can be painful too! An untreated ingrown toenail can lead to loss of the toenail and infection in your toe.
Dr. Charles Chapel at Chapel Podiatry in Brooksville, FL, offers comprehensive foot, toe, and ankle care, including treatment of ingrown toenails. He proudly serves residents of Brooksville, Spring Hill, Hudson, and Homosassa, FL, and he can help you and your feet stay healthy.
You can do a lot to prevent an ingrown toenail from developing. Remember to:
- Avoid cutting your toenails too short
- Cut your toenails straight across
- Don’t round the corners of your toenails
- Wear shoes with plenty of toe room
You can try several easy remedies at home which can help heal an ingrown toenail. Remember to:
- Soak your toes in warm water for 15 minutes several times each day
- Place a piece of dental floss underneath your toenail to hold it above your skin
- Place bandages or cotton around your toes to cushion them
- Wear sandals or open shoes until your ingrown toenail heals
- Take over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medication
For moderate to severe ingrown toenail pain, it’s best to seek out the expertise of your podiatrist, who may recommend:
- Lifting and separating your toenail to allow the toenail to grow freely
- Prescription topical antibiotic cream to clear up the infection
- Trimming off the ingrown part of your nail
- Removing your toenail to promote the growth of a new, healthy toenail
Don’t let an ingrown toenail go untreated. Your toenail can become damaged, and infection can spread to other areas of your foot.
To learn more about the consequences and treatment of ingrown toenails, talk with an expert. Call Dr. Charles Chapel of Chapel Podiatry in Brooksville, FL, at (352) 684-1444. Protect your feet by calling today!